ducati st4s vs. vfr any year

So Im in the market for a new faithful steed and Ive found an 02 Ducati St4s for a good price, it has full luggage including topcase and I believe around 32k. Dont know what if anything is wrong with it, but I wanted fellow vfr riders opinions, Im also looking at a 94 Suzuki RF 900rr. Any comments would be helpful. Im looking for something a bit more ergo friendly especially after being rearended on my VFR, my back thinks it needs a brake from the second gen riding position. Fun/grin factor, MPG, Range, handling, grunt, sound, maint. cost, these are all things im considering. Thanks for the imput guys. Also, if I dont like it, I can always sell it and get a 5th gen, so if I do get the duke, it isnt the end of the world.

 

no way would i ever consider a ducati with anywhere near 30000 miles!
do you know how many valve service intervals, and probably timing belt changes as well, that bike should have and probably didnt have done?
but a rf does sound very inticing...
taken directly from wikipedia:

High Flow filters are available, and provide the advantage of a cleanable element. Combining a jet kit, a free flowing exhaust can, a high flow filter, and GSX750R cams with a 7 degree ignition advance can produce up to 160hp from the 937cc engine.

not feeling the 5 speed though, but it is said to have a very flexible engine...
weight is comparable to a veefer at 449 dry, under cutting the vfr by 20lbs.

 

Ducatis I read somewhere, are like Italian women. Some Italian women I know have mustaches.

 

the St3 is a better choice, ridden both and the 3 has a lower service cost, about $700 every 6,000 miles. Engine is grunty but honestly not much better than a VFR. Its more tour than sport-tour like VFR. Would recommend a test ride, to me it wasnt all that...

 

6000 miles? that almost makes the vfr look like a maintainance free bike! lol
id hate to see what the st4s are like if your saying the st3s are better...

 

4 valve ducatis (916, 996, 998, 999, various monsters) are on a 6,000 mile or two year major maintenance cycle (07 and up are 7,500).

A major maintenance is oil change, inspection etc as well as:
Gear Drive Belts $175 X 2
Note: demodromic engines both open and close the valves via positive action (cam)
Valve adjustment: 4 openers and 4 closers per cylinder - do 32 shims to check
If you need a shim/collet they are in the $50 range each - usually 5-10 need to be swapped
plus Labor

4 valvers are usually $900 a service and it takes a week.

the ST3 is a 3 valve per cyl, so $700 or so





they are not cheap to run, but a joy to ride.

 

here is an animation


desmo = better valve control (positive open and close) and no valve float you get with hydraulic systems. used in MotoGP by ducati, most others have gone to pneumatic valve actuation to keep up

 

Why buy a bike that looks just like a 5th gen?



Just get a 5th gen.

 

I may be minority but I love Ducs specially older ST2
DOHC, 2 valves per cylinder, with toothed belt Desmodromic control. They are simpler to maintain since you got 2 valves instead of 4 and simpler engine.
I read many Duc riders prefer ST2 and they do go high miles without major issues.I specially like it in Yellow.Very sexy bike.

 

Almost but from front nothing like VFR plus that Duc sound can not be duplicated and arguably best motorcycle sound on planet.You argue with your girl just ride the Duc and calm down...That's hundreds of dollars saved on therapy:biggrin:...

 

here is my 999S limited edition, thats why

 

Pretty much gree with the majority here.......
the little "s" at the end stands for "race engine".

From what I've been told, the maintenance costs are as high on that bike as most any Ducati.....

Probably lotsa fun, low end torque, and the sound of a Ducati going by always turns My head.......

For a few trips through the mountain roads, probably be a HOOT! Perfect for parked in front of the espresso store. As a commuter, I think it would kill you.

 

The RF900 has a loyal following, FWIW. They are pretty good bikes. I know that RaceTech makes some front suspension parts, but I never looked into aftermarket rear shocks. The only other thing I'd worry about would be parts availability from Suzuki on a '94.

I looked for one for quite a while before I went in the direction of VFR versus Sprint ST, but couldn't find anything local.

 

actually, the little s stands for "sport" which (on many ducatis) is:

1. upgraded suspension (Ohlins vs. Showa) - worth $3-4K if purchased separately
2. Forged Marchesini wheels (1-2 lbs lighter) - worth $1-1.5K
3. different cam profile - more agressive with 500 rpm higher redline
4. Race ECU and Exhaust ($1200) - raises redline as per #3
5. race air filters ($75)
6. Monoposto (single seat) rear

an R is a race designation, all of the above PLUS:
more oversquare engine, usually 5-10% more HP
sometimes carbon fiber fairings.

Ducati sells as many S models as 'standard'. The Rs are usually limited run of 300 for homologation reasons only (150 for US, 150 for rest of world). My S was one of 150

still want more?

move up to an RS - factory customer special - usually 1 of 50
or an F which is a factory bike - usually 1 of 5 or 10

 

Damn..........

I want one of those :biggrin::wink:

 

got one I can part with if you are interested... 5,400 miles - will throw in the 6,000 mile service...

 

go look at them ride them and if it fits your style go for it......

 

I hate Insurance companies

So I was pre aproved at the credit union where I work for the loan to buy the bike (unfortuantely I dont have cash to pay, and cant stand waiting for this settlement from the insurance company on my accident) So I got approved then called my old Bike insurance company, I had stupidly let it laps a few months back (you dont need insurance on bikes in WA) anyways, Ive got a "couple" (ok alot, 7) of speeding tickets, have are lagit the other half are cops being duche bags and harassing me because Im in my 20s. So Progressive wanted a WHOPPPPING $3500 a YEAR for the duke. I called Allstate and Esurance they wanted 1400 and 1900 respectivly I can possibly do the 1400 for full coverage, but damn, I hate Insurance. Just because I like to go 5-10 over the speed limit Im labled High risk, Ive never had any at fault accidents, no drunk driving (NEVER RIDDEN OR DRIVEN DRUNK!!!) and no reckless tickets. AHHHHHHH!!!! Ok Done with rant, if anyone has any ideas on cheaper insurance let me know.

 

also the big factor is you are in your 20's....


good luck